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On This Day: Bob Dylan Released His Most Controversial Album Ever
On This Day: Bob Dylan Released His Most Controversial Album Ever originally appeared on Parade.
Released on this day in 1979, Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming became his most controversial record ever.
The LP was polarizing due to Dylan's dramatic shift from the themes and musical styles of his prior recordings. Slow Train Coming had a more soulful and gospel-influenced sound, alienating some fans who loved the musician's earlier folk-rock and acoustic music.
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Dylan converted to Christianity in 1978. His faith was reflected throughout the album's lyrics. Many listeners reportedly found its overtly religious tone jarring, with songs like "Gotta Serve Somebody" and "When He Returns" seeming out of step with the rest of his catalog.
However, this LP also drew in a new set of fans, who found solace in Dylan's religious beliefs. Song titles such as 'I Believe In You' and 'Gonna Change My Way of Thinking' brought the singer/songwriter's music to a new legion of listeners.
In an interview with writer Karen Hughes, Dylan discussed the reason behind his changed belief system. He called being born again "a hard thing." He explained, "It would have been easier if I had become a Buddhist, or a Scientologist, or if I had gone to Sing Sing."
"Being born again is a hard thing. You ever seen a mother give birth to a child? Well it's painful. We don't like to lose those old attitudes and hang-ups".
"I guess He's always been calling me", Dylan added. "Of course, how would I have ever known that? I always thought it was some voice that would be more identifiable. But God's got his own purpose and time for everything. He knew when I would respond to His call".
Slow Train Coming would place at number 16 in a list of the 100 greatest albums in Christian Music. It would achieve platinum sales status in the United States.
On This Day: Bob Dylan Released His Most Controversial Album Ever first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
